It almost feels like 2016 all over again.
While social media continues to descend into romanticizing the world of a decade ago, adidas is looking towards the future.
It’s not that the Three Stripes has spent a decade resting on its laurels. In fact, the brand has spent the last decade cultivating some of the most interesting partnerships in sneakers. The comparison to 2016 simply comes from the feeling surrounding the brand’s upcoming year. That feeling of the buzz about to cause an explosion. The feeling of making a statement in 2026, just like they did a decade ago.
Through 2026, adidas has some very impressive releases scheduled. Said releases seem to be right on the pulse of what the sneaker space needs. For those who have spent anytime following sneakers and trend cycles, that is extremely hard to do. Brands spent countless dollars and resources predicting, monitoring, and executing on trend cycles. For adidas in 2026, it looks like that work is all about to pay off.
In 2026, the Three Stripes seem aligned with the stars.
Below, we have assembled some of the most anticipated adidas releases for 2026, and how they look poised to make an impact in the sneaker space.
———
The BadBo 1.0– The partnership between Bad Bunny and adidas fostered a collection of beloved adidas Forum Lows in 2021. Since then, the Puerto Rican artist has catapulted to the forefront of Latin music in North America. From his six Grammy nominations for his critically acclaimed Debi Tiras Mas Fotos, to his upcoming Super Bowl 60 Half Time Show performance, Bad Bunny’s signature sneaker could not be coming at a better time.
Willy Chavarria Megaride – The Mexican-American designer has spent the last several Paris Fashion Weeks captivating the audience. From tailoring inspired by Mexican traditions to powerful messaging to follow, Willy has made plenty of statements with his line. The partnership with adidas is now breathing its most ambitious sneaker to date. The Willy Chavarria Megaride has received the most attention out of any of the sneakers the imprint has released with adidas. With the Three Stripes cultivating a lane of chunky sneakers, it should come as no surprise.
CLOT Superstar Dress Shoe- This sneaker is Edison Chen at his best. Though we talked about this collection in depth earlier this week, CLOT’s celebration of the Year of the Horse is the best the Three Stripes and Edison Chen have developed. More than anything, the creative risks the partnership constantly takes are among the best reasons why adidas is picking up so much steam this year. If their first release of the year was any indication, CLOT and adidas will have plenty to offer us in 2026.
Y-3 x adidas Evo SL– The Evo SL has been a monumental hit for adidas running. From its flashy colors to its easy access and entry point for runners, the sneaker checks off all the boxes. The ever iconic Yohji Yamamoto stole the show when he revealed Y-3’s rendition of the sneaker at Paris Fashion Week. Yamamoto’s spin adds a Gore-Tex upper, whilst featuring creative design elements we have come to expect from Y-3.
Song For The Mute x adidas SL72 Pro- Speaking of Paris Fashion Week and the EVO, Song for the Mute also made a bold statement at this year’s event. In a way, their PFW FW 2026 showing felt like a coming-out party. It cemented just how strong the partnership between the two is. All the while, introducing a tasteful mashup of two beloved adidas sneakers.
BAPE x adidas Adistar HRMY– BAPE and adidas go together like peanut butter and jelly. Their partnership has created some truly memorable collections throughout the years. Their upcoming capsule to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup is no exception. The collection captures the fever of the world’s biggest game, all the while BAPE’s signature touches remind us of why the Japanese label is so important to Streetwear.
Adistar Control 5– The resurgence of the Control 5 is the culmination of the hard work we previously mentioned in this story. Adidas has spent the last several months positioning the shoe to succeed as the brand’s hero model. The shoe is trendy and comfortable, and with collaborations with the likes of UnheadOf, it is no surprise the sneaker is seeing such a rise in popularity.
Pokémon 30th Anniversary Collection– When it comes to sneaker audiences in 2026, the Three Stripes looks poised to catch them all. Adidas has long succeeded with IP collaborations, and it looks to be embarking on its most fruitful one yet. Their upcoming collaboration with Pokémon will help usher in the iconic series’ 30th anniversary. With plenty of sneakers expected to make part of this special collection, one can truly expect something for every Pokémon fan.
———-
Adidas is going into 2026 in several different directions. None of which feels misguided or unfocused.
The sneaker space has never been as competitive as it is in 2026. The reality is that sneakerheads have the most options. That doesn’t seem to intimidate adidas, though. If anything, the brand’s multifaceted approach for 2026 appears ready to capture the hearts and wallets of sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.
If 2016 boosted adidas to a place of popularity in the mainstream, 2026 looks ready to blow right past that. Whether it is a Jellyfish or a Superstar, adidas has not looked more ready to take the sneaker world by storm.
